Mike's Minute

As a historical note, did you ever wonder why February only has 28 days while other months have 30 or 31?  Blame it on the ancient Romans whose calendar was based on the growing season. The ancients were anxious to start planting crops signifying the start of the season and the renewal of life. To them, February was the last month of their calendar year and they reduced the number of days to get on with life and the new year after what typically was a gloomy winter. Here in the northern Hemisphere, we have to wait a little longer.  But don’t let that hold you back from modeling and enjoying your model railroad. While the weather outside may be frightful, it is always sunny in the train room.

We started 2025 last month with a FVD meeting at the Glenview Public Library (GPL). We also have reservations at the GPL for March. The reason for moving the meetings around is to stretch our resources (meaning $$). The library doesn’t charge us for the room - but it's not always available to us. The Prospect Heights Park District does have space but it's expensive. We will continue to move the meetings around the division, so watch for notices. We are trying to be good stewards with what funds we do have.  

We recently sent out a survey of the members via the Constant Contact e-mail. We hadn’t done a survey in a number of years and in order to keep our division timely, relevant and engaging with your interests. We will have a summary of the early results shortly. If you have not completed the survey, please take a minute to do so.  Click here to access the survey form: https://form.jotform.com/250034730392045

Some members may have noticed The Semaphore newsletter has become a short email based platform, which any member can access via a computer. We would still like a member to step forward and take over editorship. It’s not that tough and is very rewarding. In the interim, we’ll try to muddle through. Help share the load. More to follow. 

On a happier note, we’re already talking about a summer outing. Any ideas? Let me know. 

As we continue through the early 2025 schedule, I want to thank each and every member for their participation and support, no matter how you choose to contribute. I appreciate this more than you know. May all your signals be green.   Best regards, MH